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Juris Doctor

noun
Ju·​ris Doctor | \ ˈju̇r-əs- How to pronounce Juris Doctor (audio) \

Definition of Juris Doctor

: a degree conferred by a law school usually after three years of full-time study

First Known Use of Juris Doctor

1969, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Juris Doctor

Latin, doctor of law

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More Definitions for Juris Doctor

juris doctor

noun, often capitalized J&D
ju·​ris doc·​tor | \ ˈju̇r-əs-ˌdäk-tər\

Legal Definition of juris doctor

: the lowest degree conferred by a law school usually after three years of full-time study or its equivalent — compare master of laws, doctor of laws, doctor of the science of law

Note: The juris doctor replaced the bachelor of laws as the first degree conferred by a law school in 1969. Not all states mention the J.D. or LL.B. specifically as a requirement for admission to the bar, but all states do require graduation from a law school.

History and Etymology for Juris Doctor

New Latin, doctor of law

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